2. Properties

2.1 Melting and decomposition temperature

Considering the definition adopted for DES, their melting points depend on the choice of DES components and their concentration in the mixture. Even if, strictly speaking, the melting point of a DES exists only at the eutectic composition, it is generally associated with the temperature at which a liquid phase is observed that is homogeneous to the composition used in the mixture.

DESs described in the literature generally have melting points below 150°C, with liquid mixtures at temperatures below 50°C considered the most attractive. Table 3 lists the melting temperatures of some of the most common DES.